Arizona is looking to kickstart their season as they begin Big 12 Conference play against No. 16 Cincinnati this Saturday. The Wildcats (7-5, 1-0) are currently on a three-game winning streak, coming off a 90-81 victory over TCU. On the other hand, the Bearcats (10-2, 0-1) suffered a 70-67 defeat at Kansas State and will seek redemption on their home court.
Arizona will be missing their 7-foot-2 center, Motiejus Krivas, for the remainder of the season due to a foot injury. Redshirt sophomore Henri Veesaar, a 7-footer, stepped up in Krivas’ absence, contributing 15 points and six rebounds in the win over TCU. Coach Tommy Lloyd praised Veesaar’s development, highlighting his improved physicality and skills, which will earn him more playing time moving forward.
Guard Caleb Love commended Veesaar’s growth and showcased his own scoring prowess with a game-high 33 points against TCU. Love emphasized the team’s support for Veesaar and their belief in his abilities, indicating a positive team dynamic and a shared goal of success on the court.
Cincinnati, aiming to return to the NCAA Tournament after a two-year absence, faced a setback against Kansas State, failing to mount a comeback despite a solid effort from Dan Skillings Jr. and Dillon Mitchell. Skillings Jr. acknowledged the team’s commitment to playing hard every game, regardless of the opponent, underlining their collective dedication to competitiveness and effort.
Lloyd emphasized the importance of being prepared for close games and the need for resilience and fight in every matchup, signaling a shift in mindset towards embracing challenging situations on a nightly basis. The Bearcats, while staying within striking distance of Kansas State, struggled to close the gap in the final minutes, illustrating the demanding nature of high-stakes college basketball.
As Arizona and Cincinnati prepare to clash in an important conference matchup, both teams are focused on building momentum and securing crucial victories to cement their positions in the competitive landscape of college basketball. With key players stepping up and teams displaying resilience in the face of adversity, the upcoming game promises to be a thrilling battle between two determined squads vying for success in a demanding and unpredictable season.
